Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs) involve alterations of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), masticatory muscles, and related structures. Hence; the present study was undertaken for assessing the gender difference in prevalence of symptoms of temporo-mandibular joint disorders. Materials & methods: A total of 50 male and 50 female subjects with presence of TMJ disorders were enrolled. Complete demographic and clinical details of all the subjects were obtained. Patients were initially questioned using a questionnaire based on the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMD. Thorough clinical examination was done in all the patients. TMJ sounds were evaluated with a stereoscope and recorded as no sound, clicks, or crepitation. All the examination procedures were carried out by same examiner. All the results were recorded and analyzed by SPSS software. Results: Pain during mouth opening was present in 33 males and 37 females. Pain during mastication was seen in 39 males and 45 females. TMJ pain at rest was seen in 27 males and 35 females. Headache was seen in 21 males and 18 females. Earache was seen in 15 males and 19 females. Significantly higher symptoms were seen in females. Conclusion: From the above results, the authors conclude that females had TMD symptoms more frequently than males. Also, the most common problem in both genders was pain.